Numbers 27:11

KJV

And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And if his father {H1} have no brethren {H251}, then ye shall give {H5414} his inheritance {H5159} unto his kinsman {H7607} that is next {H7138} to him of his family {H4940}, and he shall possess {H3423} it: and it shall be unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478} a statute {H2708} of judgment {H4941}, as the LORD {H3068} commanded {H6680} Moses {H4872}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If his father doesn't have brothers, give his inheritance to the closest relative in his family, and he will possess it. This will be the standard for judgment to be used by the people of Isra'el, as ADONAI ordered Moshe.'"

Berean Standard Bible

And if his father has no brothers, give his inheritance to the next of kin from his clan, that he may take possession of it. This is to be a statutory ordinance for the Israelites, as the LORD has commanded Moses.’”

American Standard Version

And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute and ordinance, as Jehovah commanded Moses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Numbers 27:11 concludes the comprehensive legislation regarding inheritance in ancient Israel, addressing the final, most distant contingency for property distribution. This statute ensures that if a deceased male leaves no direct descendants, brothers, or paternal uncles, his inheritance is transferred to the nearest kinsman within his extended family. This divine decree guarantees the perpetual preservation of family land within its tribal allotment, underscoring God's meticulous concern for justice, social order, and the enduring well-being of His covenant people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Numbers 27:11 serves as the capstone of a crucial legal section concerning land inheritance, which begins with the landmark petition of [Zelophehad's daughters](/numbers/27-1 "Numbers 27:1 - The Petition of Zelophehad's Daughters"). Their unique case, where their father died without male heirs, prompted Moses to seek divine counsel. God's initial ruling, detailed in [Numbers 27:6-10](/numbers/27-6-10 "Numbers 27:6-10 - God's Ruling on Inheritance Law"), established a clear hierarchical order for inheritance: sons, then daughters, then brothers, and finally paternal uncles. Verse 11 meticulously addresses the ultimate scenario, ensuring that no family inheritance would ever fall outside the established clan structure. This comprehensive legal framework for land distribution is presented just before Moses is commanded to appoint Joshua as his successor, signifying the establishment of stable legal and leadership structures vital for Israel's impending entry into and settlement of Canaan.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Israel, land was more than mere property; it was a foundational element of the covenant, a divine gift and perpetual inheritance (`nachalah`) that defined one's tribal and familial identity, ensuring economic stability and social standing. The patriarchal society typically dictated inheritance through the male line. However, the case of Zelophehad's daughters, and the subsequent law in this verse, reveal God's concern for equity and the preservation of family lines, even within a male-dominated framework. These detailed laws were indispensable for maintaining the integrity of tribal boundaries, preventing the fragmentation or permanent loss of ancestral lands, which were inextricably linked to Israel's social, economic, and religious life as they prepared to inhabit the Promised Land.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully reinforces several core themes prevalent throughout the Pentateuch and the Book of Numbers. It highlights **Divine Justice and Equity**, demonstrating God's meticulous concern for fairness in property distribution, ensuring that no family line is unjustly dispossessed, even in complex or rare scenarios. The comprehensive nature of the law underscores the **Preservation of Family and Tribal Identity**, as the land was intrinsically tied to one's lineage and tribal allotment, preventing its arbitrary transfer or absorption by other clans. Furthermore, the concluding declaration, "it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses," emphasizes the **Divine Authority and Binding Nature of God's Law**. This phrase unequivocally states that God is the ultimate Lawgiver, providing comprehensive and adaptable guidance for His people, as evidenced by His willingness to clarify and expand existing customs in response to specific needs, such as those presented by [Zelophehad's daughters](/numbers/27-7 "Numbers 27:7 - God's Affirmation of Zelophehad's Daughters' Claim").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **kinsman (Hebrew, שְׁאֵר, _she'er'_):** This term, derived from a root meaning "flesh," refers to a close relative, literally "flesh" or "flesh and blood." In the context of inheritance, it denotes the nearest male relative within the broader family clan, emphasizing the deep familial connection and blood relation. Its use here underscores the divine intention to keep the inheritance within the established lineage, even when direct heirs are absent, thereby preserving the family's identity and portion.
* **possess (Hebrew, יָרַשׁ, _yârash'_):** This primitive root signifies "to occupy (by driving out previous tenants, and possessing in their place); by implication, to seize, to rob, to inherit." In this verse, it confirms the legal transfer of ownership and the right of the kinsman to hold and utilize the land as his own. The term highlights the active acquisition and secure tenure of the inheritance, ensuring the continuity of the family's portion within the tribal allotment and preventing its disinheritance.
* **statute (Hebrew, חֻקָּה, _chuqqâh'_):** This feminine noun denotes an enactment, an appointment, a custom, or an ordinance. It implies a prescribed rule or fixed decree, often suggesting something unchangeable or permanently established. When combined with "judgment," it signifies a divine decree that serves as a permanent, legally binding precedent, reflecting God's wisdom in establishing righteous societal order and ensuring justice for all generations of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And if his father have no brethren":** This clause specifies the most remote and final contingency in the divinely ordained inheritance hierarchy. It addresses a scenario where the deceased male has no sons, no daughters, no brothers, and critically, no paternal uncles (brothers of his father). This demonstrates the exhaustive nature of the divine law, anticipating even the most unusual or complex family structures to ensure comprehensive coverage and prevent any ambiguity regarding inheritance.
* **"then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it":** This is the prescriptive command, dictating the recipient of the inheritance in the aforementioned scenario. "His kinsman that is next to him of his family" refers to the closest living male relative within the extended family or clan. The phrase "and he shall possess it" confirms the legal transfer of ownership and the right of the kinsman to hold and utilize the land as his own, ensuring the continuity of the family's portion within the tribal allotment and preventing its loss.
* **"and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses":** This concluding declaration elevates the specific rule to a universal and perpetual legal principle for the entire nation of Israel. It emphasizes that this is not a temporary or arbitrary ruling but a divinely ordained "statute of judgment," carrying the full authority of God Himself, delivered through Moses. This phrase underscores the enduring nature and divine origin of the law, making it a foundational and unchangeable element of Israel's legal and social fabric.

#### Literary Devices
Numbers 27:11 employs several literary techniques characteristic of biblical legal texts, designed for clarity, authority, and permanence. The most prominent is **Legal Formulary**, evident in its precise, conditional, and prescriptive language ("And if... then ye shall give...") which is typical of case law found throughout the Pentateuch. This structure clearly defines the condition and the resulting action, leaving no room for ambiguity in application. The verse also utilizes **Divine Ratification**, particularly in its concluding phrase, "as the LORD commanded Moses." This direct attribution of the law to God Himself lends ultimate authority, sanctity, and permanence to the statute, reinforcing its divine origin and binding nature for all generations. Furthermore, the verse functions as a form of **Case Law**, addressing a highly specific, albeit rare, scenario, demonstrating the comprehensive and adaptable nature of God's legal wisdom in anticipating and legislating for various circumstances within the Israelite community, ensuring justice and order even in the most complex family situations.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Numbers 27:11, though specific to ancient Israelite inheritance, profoundly illustrates God's character as a God of meticulous justice, order, and compassionate provision. It reveals His deep concern for the well-being and stability of families and communities, ensuring that even the most distant relatives are considered in the preservation of a family's legacy and land. This divine attention to detail in legal matters reflects God's desire for a righteous and equitable society, where disputes are minimized, property rights are clear, and the vulnerable are protected. The law's comprehensive nature, extending to the most unlikely scenarios, speaks to God's foresight and His unwavering commitment to establishing a just framework for His covenant people, reflecting His own perfect order and wisdom.

* [Deuteronomy 6:1](/deuteronomy/6-1 "Deuteronomy 6:1 - Commandments for Israel")
* [Leviticus 25:23-28](/leviticus/25-23-28 "Leviticus 25:23-28 - Laws of Land Redemption")
* [Ruth 4:1-10](/ruth/4-1-10 "Ruth 4:1-10 - Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Numbers 27:11, while rooted in the specific context of ancient Israelite land inheritance, offers enduring principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is deeply concerned with justice, order, and equity in all aspects of life, even those we might consider mundane, like property rights or family structures. This verse challenges us to consider how we, as individuals and communities, can reflect God's character by striving for fairness, establishing clear and just guidelines, and ensuring that no one is unjustly deprived or overlooked. It encourages a spirit of faithful stewardship over our resources and relationships, recognizing that all we have is ultimately from God and should be managed in a way that honors Him and serves others. Furthermore, the divine origin of this "statute of judgment" calls us to reverence God's Word as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance for living a life that honors Him and promotes human flourishing in every sphere.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's attention to such specific legal details in Numbers 27:11 inform your understanding of His character and His concern for human society?**
* **In what ways can we, as believers, apply the principle of ensuring fairness, equity, and order in our own communities and families today?**
* **What does the phrase "statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses" teach us about the authority, permanence, and enduring relevance of God's Word in our lives?**

### FAQ
**Why was this specific inheritance law necessary, given the previous rules?**

Answer: This specific law in Numbers 27:11 was necessary to close a potential loophole and ensure the absolute continuity of family inheritance within the tribal allotments. The preceding rules (Numbers 27:8-10) established a clear hierarchy: sons, then daughters, then brothers, then paternal uncles. However, a scenario could arise where none of these direct relatives existed. Verse 11 provides the final, comprehensive contingency: if even the father's brothers are absent, the inheritance passes to the nearest kinsman within the broader family. This meticulous detail underscores God's foresight and His commitment to preserving family identity, tribal land boundaries, and preventing any land from falling out of its designated inheritance, thereby ensuring long-term stability and justice for the [children of Israel](/numbers/27-11 "Numbers 27:11 - Inheritance Law").

**Does this law have any relevance for Christians today?**

Answer: While the specific legal context of land inheritance in ancient Israel is not directly applicable to Christians today, the underlying theological and moral principles are profoundly relevant. Numbers 27:11 reveals God's character as a God of meticulous justice, order, and compassionate care for His people's well-being. It teaches us about the importance of equitable laws, the value God places on family and legacy (albeit spiritual rather than material for us), and His commitment to providing comprehensive guidance. For believers, this passage encourages us to pursue justice in our own spheres of influence, to value the spiritual inheritance we have in Christ, and to recognize that God's detailed concern for His people's flourishing in the Old Testament foreshadows His perfect provision and ultimate justice found in the [New Covenant](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - The New Covenant").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Numbers 27:11, with its meticulous concern for the preservation of inheritance within the family through the "kinsman," finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment. The law's purpose was to ensure that the land, Israel's divine inheritance, remained within the family, thereby preserving identity and legacy. In a spiritual sense, humanity lost its original inheritance—perfect communion with God and eternal life—through sin. Christ steps in as our ultimate "Kinsman-Redeemer," fulfilling the spirit of these ancient laws. Just as a kinsman was obligated to redeem lost property or family lines (as powerfully illustrated by Boaz in [Ruth 4:1-10](/ruth/4-1-10 "Ruth 4:1-10 - Boaz as Kinsman-Redeemer")), Jesus, by taking on human flesh, became our closest "kinsman" ([Hebrews 2:14-17](/hebrews/2-14-17 "Hebrews 2:14-17 - Christ's Shared Humanity")). Through His perfect obedience and sacrificial death on the cross, He redeemed us from the curse of the law and restored our lost spiritual inheritance, granting us adoption into the [family of God](/ephesians/1-5 "Ephesians 1:5 - Adoption as Sons") and an "imperishable, undefiled, and unfading inheritance" reserved in heaven ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Inheritance")). The "statute of judgment" established in Numbers 27:11, reflecting God's perfect justice and order, points forward to Christ, who perfectly fulfills all righteousness and establishes a new, eternal covenant based on grace, securing our spiritual inheritance forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Numbers 35:29

So these [things] shall be for a statute of judgment unto you throughout your generations in all your dwellings.

Jeremiah 32:8

So Hanameel mine uncle's son came to me in the court of the prison according to the word of the LORD, and said unto me, Buy my field, I pray thee, that [is] in Anathoth, which [is] in the country of Benjamin: for the right of inheritance [is] thine, and the redemption [is] thine; buy [it] for thyself. Then I knew that this [was] the word of the LORD.

Ruth 4:3

And he said unto the kinsman, Naomi, that is come again out of the country of Moab, selleth a parcel of land, which [was] our brother Elimelech's:

Ruth 4:6

And the kinsman said, I cannot redeem [it] for myself, lest I mar mine own inheritance: redeem thou my right to thyself; for I cannot redeem [it].

1 Samuel 30:25

And it was [so] from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel unto this day.

Leviticus 25:25

If thy brother be waxen poor, and hath sold away [some] of his possession, and if any of his kin come to redeem it, then shall he redeem that which his brother sold.

Leviticus 25:49

Either his uncle, or his uncle's son, may redeem him, or [any] that is nigh of kin unto him of his family may redeem him; or if he be able, he may redeem himself.